It is difficult for existing methods to quantify, and track the constant evolution of cancers due to high heterogeneity of mutations. However, structural variations associated with nucleotide number changes show repeatable patterns in localized regions of the genome. Here we introduce SPKMG, which generalizes nucleotide number based properties of genes, in statistical terms, at the genome-wide scale. It is measured from the normalized amount of aligned NGS reads in exonic regions of a gene. SPKMG values are calculated within OncoTrack. SPKMG values being continuous numeric variables provide a statistical metric to track DNA level changes. We show that SPKMG measures of cancer DNA show a normative pattern at the genome-wide scale. The analysis leads to the discovery of core cancer genes and also provides novel dynamic insights into the stage of cancer, including cancer development, progression, and metastasis. This technique will allow exome data to also be used for quantitative LOH/CNV analysis for tracking tumour progression and evolution with a higher efficiency.
Lactation is the process of synthesizing and secreting milk from the breasts to feed young ones. It is an integral part in the physiologic completion of the reproductive cycle of mammals including humans. Human milk ensures the infants‘systemic protection, growth and development; therefore breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure excellent child health and survival. Lactation is the result of well-coordinated effort of the hormones. Throughout pregnancy the placenta produces oestrogen and progesterone. In addition to performing various functions, these hormones prepare breasts physically for lactation and suppress prolactin during pregnancy. Towards the end of pregnancy, prolactin increases, ready for milk synthesis. The removal of the placenta at birth triggers the breast to respond to suckling by making milk. The maternal body prepares for lactation not only by developing the breast to produce milk but also by storing additional nutrients and energy.
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